Duda applauded the project, but drew the line at supporting it with tax dollars

"We had to cut psychotropic medications to the indigent from our budget this year. That's what the county is supposed to be doing; not contributing to the economic development of the community," Duda said.

His colleagues countered that the project is needed.

"Let's make a difference -- not only in this community, but in this state," Commissioner Mary Ann Borgeson said.

"One of the primary responsibilities of county government is to take care of public health needs," Commissioner Mike Boyle said.

UNMC hopes to open the center by 2020.

"We think it's a win-win for the community, the university and the people of Douglas County," Cowan said.

Omaha is also set to chip in for the UNMC project. The City Council will consider a new ordinance that would put a new occupation tax on cigarettes -- 35 cents a pack.

It's expected to raise as much as $35 million over a decade. The measure could be on first reading as soon as next week.

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